Here’s what we know so far based on the source report dated February 27, 2026.
**What’s the update?**
Software fault prompts Ford to recall 4.38 million US vehicles
**What should owners do?**
Check whether your vehicle is included (VIN/trim/model year) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
**Selected context from the source**
Software fault prompts Ford to recall 4.38 million US vehicles Search query Search the web Mail EV and future tech Classic and collector Deals and buying guides Ownership Safety and recalls Policy and environment New vehicles and reviews Auto shows General People and culture More More EV and future tech Classic and collector Deals and buying guides Ownership Safety and recalls Policy and environment New vehicles and reviews Auto shows General People and culture Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trending : Amazon Spring Sale: The best car accessory deals Amazon Spring Sale: The best tech deals Best cheap and easy car upgrades How to add Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to your old car Autos Safety and recalls Software fault prompts Ford to recall 4.38 million US vehicles Shubhendu Vimal Fri, February 27, 2026 at 11:31 AM UTC The company plans to correct the issue through an over-the-air (OTA) software update to the ITM or via dealer or mobile service appointments.
Ford Motor is recalling roughly 4.38 million vehicles in the US after identifying a software defect that could disable trailer lighting and braking functions. The recall applies to certain 2021–2026 F-150, 2022–2026 Super Duty (F-250–600), 2024–2026 Ranger, 2022–2026 Expedition, 2022–2026 Navigator, 2022–2026 Maverick and 2026 Transit models.
The US carmaker said a fault in the Integrated Trailer Module (ITM) may cause the unit to lose communication with the vehicle, typically during start-up. Advertisement If this occurs while a trailer is connected, the trailer’s stop lamps and turn signals may fail to operate and, in vehicles equipped with a “High series” trailer module, trailer braking capability could also be lost.
Ford said the defect leads to non-compliance with US federal safety requirements and raises crash risk due to reduced trailer control and visibility. Drivers affected may see a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” warning in the instrument cluster, rapid turn-signal flashing and, in some cases, a “Blind Spot Assist System fault” alert.
The company plans to correct the issue through an over-the-air (OTA) software update to the ITM or via dealer or mobile service appointments. Advertisement Advertisement The update is expected to be available for most vehicles from 17 March, with OTA rollout across all affected vehicles targeted by May.
According to data compiled by Forbes, Ford issued 153 recalls in 2025, the highest number ever recorded by a single manufacturer in the US in one year, covering about 12.9 million vehicles. In October, Ford issued a recall for roughly 1.45 million vehicles in the US due to defective rearview cameras, which could heighten the risk of a crash.
Source: https://autos.yahoo.com/safety-and-recalls/articles/software-fault-prompts-ford-recall-113123846.html